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A Divine Decree Regarding Agency
A decree is an official statement that something must happen. During Old Testament times, kings made decrees and others wrote them so that they would not be forgotten. Almost always, the absolute monarchs making those decrees had power to see that their decrees came to pass. The importance of decrees during Old Testament times is shown in Ezra, chapters 5 and 6. King Darius hears about an unfinished decree from his predecessor, King Cyrus. So, Darius decreed that a search should be made in the house of the rolls. A roll was found recording the official statement that the house of God at Jerusalem was to be rebuilt. To finish the previously decreed project, the new decree included these words, “I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed” (Ezra 6:12).
Decrees are meant to remain unchanged. The decrees of God must certainly be on the short list of things we can absolutely count on during this mortal life. Darius’ new decree included these words, “Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this” (Ezra 6:11).
Decrees should be righteous, “Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees” (Isaiah 10:1).
In the Book of Mormon, Alma the Younger finds himself wishing unwisely. He cautions himself in Alma 29:4. His guidance teaches one of the more profound truths found in scripture, and at the same time shines light on divine decrees. He affirms,
“I ought not to harrow up in my desires the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction” (emphasis added).
The powerful words unalterable, firm, just, and decree mean we can count on Heavenly Father. Describing any decree as firm is redundant; but it certainly makes the point, something really must happen! Surely any divine decree is righteous; calling God just, emphasizes God’s righteousness—even if man’s desire leads to destruction. God’s decrees are then labeled unalterable—there is no way to avoid the consequence of God decreeing mankind’s right to choose according to their desire or will. Oh, be wise; desire eternal life.
Alma the Younger’s description of God’s decrees, also makes a strong statement regarding our right to determine our future. Ponder on “I know that he [God] granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life” (Alma 29:4). Every one of God’s children may choose their own path to their death and destruction, or to their life and salvation. Always.
God will never take away our ability to choose to be good or evil. I believe that God only desires the positive outcome. Yet God will not tip the scales. Therefore, every person tips his own scale. Every person’s desire, or will, points them towards death and destruction, or life and salvation. So, be sure that desires lead to eternal life. Remember, God allots to his children what they desire.
Agency is paramount for God’s children. The war in heaven was fought over our ability to choose. The decreed right to choose death, or life and salvation remains unaltered. A hymn reinforces this truth.
“Know this, that every soul is free
To choose his life and what he’ll be:
For this eternal truth is giv’n:
That God will force no man to heav’n.”
(“Know This, That Every Soul is Free” Hymns, 240.)
There is opposition in all things. (See 2 Nephi 2:11.) The divine decree does not favor one opposite over the other. It is not about what God wants. The question becomes, “Do I want eternal life so very much that I will shape my desires accordingly?” If the current answer is no, then change. Gladness and joy will follow.
Like Heavenly Father, parents encourage children in Zion to become accountable for their actions, to learn about consequences and repentance from mistakes and sins, and to focus on righteous desires. All who repent often will keep their desires righteous, and therefore absolutely will receive eternal life. We can count on that; God has so decreed! A decree is an official statement that something must happen.
Do current desires help our progression along the covenant path? We are granted what we desire. It does not matter how extreme!